![]() This is a definite reason for recording vocals with compression, rather than adding it retrospectively. When the vocal is played back through headphones in real-time, the singer is able to hear the compression, as it is being recorded. This is explained in detail in this video.ĭue to the smoothening effect that compression has on vocals, it can improve a singer’s confidence in their performance. ![]() When pushed to its extreme limits, a compressor causes the frequency response to change and therefore changes the sound of the vocals. In addition to the points we’ve already covered, there are many reasons that recording vocals with compression are necessary.Īlthough compression is mainly used to control the dynamics of a vocal recording, it can also be used for tonal coloration, or to improve the singer’s performance.Ĭompression is a tone-altering effect in its own right. Compressor pedals like this one cater for this.īy setting the compressor to limit the extreme peaks out of the vocal take but leave the finer details alone, you still save some time when mixing, but also retain the freedom to process the vocals without contending with heavy compression. It’s possible to record vocals with a slight touch of compression while recording, without making it impossible to change afterward. Instantly hear the vocals with compressionįor those who are still unsure whether they should record vocals with compression, or leave it until the mixing process, perhaps choosing a middle ground would be a good option. The table below summarizes the basic pros and cons of recording vocals with compression, versus adding the compression afterward. If, you are doubtful, bear in mind that you could potentially ruin a perfect vocal performance by over-compressing, or setting the threshold too high/low. If you feel confident that you know exactly what settings to apply to the compressor to make it compatible with the vocals, then go for it. It can take a long time to experiment with the various parameters on a compressor to make them perfectly suited to the vocal recording in question.Įssentially then, it all boils down to familiarity and confidence. On the other hand, if you have limited experience recording a certain vocalist, or vocal style that a song requires, it will be difficult to get the compression settings perfect right away. Consequently, if you are recording a singer whose voice you are familiar with, then recording the vocals with compression is a safer bet. It’s worth noting, that compression interacts uniquely with different vocals. Generally speaking, you should only record vocals with compression if you are confident that the settings on the compressor will produce the results you desire. Whether or not you should record vocals with compression requires you to identify your intentions.ĭo you want to produce a clean recording that leaves plenty of room for effects and mixing afterward? Or would you rather hear the vocal recording with compression instantaneously, and save yourself some time during the mixing process? Recording Vocals With Compression: The Pros & Cons ![]() In this article, we’ll explore the finer details of whether you should record vocals with compression. So if this method is used, the compression settings must be perfect to avoid disappointment. This means that if you captured the perfect take, but the compression settings didn’t sound right, you would have to re-record the vocals and start over again. However, if you want more flexibility when mixing your vocals later on, then it should be avoided.Ĭompression that is added to vocals during recording cannot be undone. Recording vocals with compression saves time and effort, but it ultimately limits your possibilities in post-production. Should you record vocals with compression? There are multiple ways to add it to your mix, and many musicians and mixing engineers question whether you should compress the vocals during recording. Compression is one of the most popularly used vocal effects.
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